Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Got Worms?: Planning And Evaluation Of A Culturally Appropriate Health Education Pilot Program For The Control Of Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections In Rwandan Village Children, Pier Hart

Master of Public Health Capstone Presentations

Infections with parasitic intestinal worms known as soil-transmitted helminthes (STH) are endemic in most poor countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. In Rwanda, the prevalence of helminth infections among school-age children was found to be nearly 70%. Chronic STH infections are associated with malnutrition and anemia, which cause physical and cognitive developmental problems. These morbidities negatively affect educational attainment and vocational productivity and thereby perpetuate the cycle of poverty in affected communities. Control of STH requires both regular deworming treatments and changes in health behaviors relevant to transmission, including personal hygiene and sanitation practices. In Rwanda, a nationwide program …

Assessing Nutrition Knowledge, Skill And Attitudes In Adolescent Girls, Tatyana Jean

Master of Public Health Capstone Presentations

There is still much to be understood about the nutrition habits of adolescents who are just beginning to break away from familial habits and developing individual identities. The African American community in particular, is known to experience disproportionate amounts of overweight and obesity resulting in chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. This study used quantitative and qualitative measures to assess the nutrition skills, knowledge, and attitudesof African American girls aged 14-17. After data analysis, it was found that African American adolescent girls had high body image and self esteem but poor nutrition skill and knowledge. Body image and weight …

The Need For A Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax In Philadelphia – Policy Analysis, J M. O'Dell

Master of Public Health Capstone Presentations

The goal of this study was to analyze sugar-sweetened beverage tax policy as one strategy to fight America’s obesity epidemic. Obesity is an enormous problem that plagues individuals worldwide. The prevalence of obesity is high in this country, exceeding 25% in 33 states. In Pennsylvania in 2009, 27.7% of adults were labeled as obese. Additionally, there are many more Philadelphians who are overweight or obese (900,000) than who are at a healthy weight (600,000). Obesity is extremely complex and has several causes. One cause of obesity and the main concern of this study is the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. Sugar-sweetened …